Side by side shawl

Side by Side Shawl by Vera Loves Knitting

What is Being Made

Side by Side is a narrow knitted shawl designed as a versatile accessory that works beautifully across multiple yarn weights and color combinations. This beginner-friendly pattern creates an elegant, elongated shawl that showcases the interplay between lace edging and solid sections, making it suitable for both minimalist and adventurous knitters.

Construction Method

The shawl is worked from one narrow end to the other, beginning and ending with 7 stitches. This straightforward directional construction makes it an accessible project for knitters new to shawl patterns. The design employs a strategic three-phase approach: an expansion phase using increases, a flat middle section, and a symmetrical decrease phase that mirrors the beginning.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Increases: Worked close to the lace edge every 4 rows during the expansion phase until approximately half of the yarn has been consumed
• Lace Edge: A decorative edge feature incorporated throughout the shawl's construction
• Flat Rows: A 10-row flat section worked in the middle of the pattern to create textural variation
• Decreases: Executed every 4 rows during the final phase to return the stitch count to the original 7 stitches

Yarn and Materials

The Side by Side shawl requires approximately 400 to 500 metres of yarn, offering flexibility across multiple yarn weights and fiber types. The pattern accommodates sport weight, DK (8 ply), 4-ply (fingering), aran, and 3-ply yarns, allowing knitters to customize the final drape and texture of their finished piece.

Yarn fiber options include mohair and silk lace blends for an airy, delicate version; solid-colored or variegated merino and cotton in 4-ply weight for refined elegance; or 8-ply DK yarn for a more substantial and structured fabric. Mini skein fade sets are particularly well-suited to this pattern, enabling creative color progression from light to dark, or alternatively starting and ending with matching shades while arranging the fade gradient throughout the middle sections.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner friendly, making it an excellent introduction to shawl knitting. The straightforward construction, simple stitch repeats, and clear progression from increases through a flat section to decreases provide new knitters with a manageable yet rewarding project.

Pattern Notes

When working with a single-color yarn, knitters should weigh their yarn at the beginning of the project and carefully track the yardage consumed to ensure they have sufficient material for the complete pattern. This approach allows for precise yarn management across the three construction phases.